Providence Women's Basketball 1997-98 Schedule Announced

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College will play four-time defending BIG EAST regular season and tournament champion Connecticut as well as state-rival University of Rhode Island in the Civic Center during the 1997-98 campaign.

The Friars, who finshed 13-14 a year ago, face three opponents - Illinois, Notre Dame and Connecticut - who were in the 1997 64-team NCAA field. The Huskies visit the Civic Center on Saturday, February 7 for a 7:00 pm tipoff.

Along with Illinois, other non-conference games include at Southwest Missouri State, at Wake Forest and home with Boston University. The Friars travel to the San Juan Shootout on November 27-30 to face University of Puerto Rico and Illinois along with the possibility of playing Duke or Southern Illinois University in the Championship game.

A visit to Miami in the first of two meetings between the two teams begins the BIG EAST slate for the Friars on December 6. Home BIG EAST games include Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Georgetown, West Virginia, Boston College, Miami, and Seton Hall. The Friars travel schedule is highlighted by a trip to Notre Dame to take on the Irish who advanced to the NCAA Final Four a year ago.

Providence returns four starters from last season including All-America Candidate Kerri Chatten. Six freshmen are added to the roster including Connecticut High School Athlete of the Year, Jennifer Gombotz. Head coach Jim Jabir begins his second year at the helm.

"As we look to improve our program, a challenging schedule is vital" notes Jabir. "A tough non-conference schedule will help prepare us for the always tough BIG EAST games. We are excited for the season to begin and open against Rhode Island at the Providence Civic Center."